10 Days in San José: A Journey Through Culture and Adventure

Dominga Valenzuela

1 Dec 2023

Embark on a 10-day adventure in San José, Costa Rica, exploring ancient marvels, indulging in local cuisine, and immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of the city. From pre-Columbian gold museums to bustling markets, this itinerary has it all.

Trip to San José

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Unveiling History and Architecture

$135

Hotel La Fortuna Rojas DAFU

Depart from your stay 🏨

7 - 10 min

Directions

Inspirar y nutrir el espíritu humano: una persona, una taza de café y una comunidad a la vez.

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

•

$60

1 - 2 min

Directions

Museum featuring historic gold artifacts, including figures & coins, in a modern, underground space.

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$75

2 - 3 min

Directions

Popular public square with a fountain & some greenery sitting atop the Museum of Pre-Columbian Gold.

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

4 - 6 min

Directions

This stately cathedral built in 1871 blends Greek orthodox, neoclassical and baroque architecture.

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

•

Free

Day 2Spices and Art

$124

$ 11

Hotel La Fortuna Rojas DAFU

Depart from your stay 🏨

6 - 8 min

Directions

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

•

$64

4 - 5 min

Directions

Former customs building with a modern entrance hosting conventions, concerts & other events.

9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

•

Free

9 - 14 min

Directions

Museum displaying anthropological, geological & archeological objects & a large jade collection.

11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

•

$60

10 - 15 min

Directions

Busy square & meeting spot with park benches & occasional fairs, concerts & other events.

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

•

Free

Day 3Coffee, Wildlife, and Serenity

$122

$ 22

Hotel La Fortuna Rojas DAFU

Depart from your stay 🏨

10 - 15 min

Directions

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

•

$72

5 - 8 min

Directions

Long-running botanical garden & zoo with fish, amphibians & reptiles, plus birds & mammals.

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$50

13 - 16 min

Directions

Large public green space featuring play equipment, trails, lakes & a variety of sports facilities.

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

Day 4Local Delicacies and Nature's Wonders

$68

Hotel La Fortuna Rojas DAFU

Depart from your stay 🏨

12 - 18 min

Directions

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

•

$68

2 - 3 min

Directions

Established in 1895, this iconic park features the bronze National Monument of Costa Rica.

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

•

Free

Day 5Traditional Charm and Scientific Exploration

$87

Hotel La Fortuna Rojas DAFU

Depart from your stay 🏨

8 - 11 min

Directions

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

•

$72

2 - 3 min

Directions

This compact urban green space with a church view is a popular, scenic spot to relax.

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Free

16 - 24 min

Directions

Costa Rican Center of Science and Culture

Set in a former penitentiary, this complex features a children's museum, auditorium & art galleries.

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

•

$15

Day 6Fine Dining and Playful Discoveries

$110

$ 22

Hotel La Fortuna Rojas DAFU

Depart from your stay 🏨

6 - 9 min

Directions

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

•

$60

8 - 12 min

Directions

Playful children's museum offering hands-on exhibitions in a castle-style structure.

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$50

18 - 22 min

Directions

Featuring a statue from San José's Japanese twin city, this park offers sports fields & gardens.

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

Day 7Crafts, Culture, and Hidden Gems

$56

Hotel La Fortuna Rojas DAFU

Depart from your stay 🏨

10 - 15 min

Directions

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

•

$56

3 - 4 min

Directions

Souvenirs like colorful masks, folk art & carved wood items in an indoor craft market.

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

12 - 17 min

Directions

Cultural center with theaters & a museum housed in a 19th-century former liquor factory.

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

•

Free

Day 8Savory Eats and Thrilling Rides

$168

$ 33

Hotel La Fortuna Rojas DAFU

Depart from your stay 🏨

19 - 23 min

Directions

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

•

$68

11 - 14 min

Directions

This amusement park with rides for adults & kids gives its profits to a children's hospital.

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

•

$100

Day 9Culinary Delights and Artistic Treasures

$102

$ 22

Hotel La Fortuna Rojas DAFU

Depart from your stay 🏨

9 - 11 min

Directions

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

•

$72

4 - 5 min

Directions

Indoor-outdoor museum in a historic building showcasing the works of Latin American artists.

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$30

8 - 10 min

Directions

Circa-1950 covered marketplace filled with sellers of produce, spices, meats & prepared foods.

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

Day 10Market Hopping and Urban Oasis

$60

$ 22

Hotel La Fortuna Rojas DAFU

Depart from your stay 🏨

7 - 10 min

Directions

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

•

$60

4 - 5 min

Directions

Lively, mazelike market with vendors for produce, fish, coffee, hot snacks & traditional crafts.

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

14 - 17 min

Directions

This 72-hectare park features the National Stadium & other sports facilities, plus an art museum.

11:30 AM - 2:30 PM

•

Free

Budget breakdown: $1164 In total

Activities & Food:$1032

Transport:$132